Due to go to Thailand on Honeymoon

shippers

We booked our honeymoon 12 months ago with Thomson. We are due to travel to Bangkok on 12th June for 4 nights then onto Phuket for 10 nights. The foreign office are now advising against all but essential travel there because of a civil war. The British Embassy has also come out of Bangkok. We contacted Thomson to ask to change our destination to elsewhere but they wont let us!! Thomsons have cancelled holidays there up to 28th May but they say we might still be able to go! Today 5 shot dead and the main shopping mall blown up!! The news is showing Bangkok as a derelict city. Has anyone any advice on what we can say to Thomson to let us change our holiday to another destination. We dont only want to know where we'll be going a week before. Do people think it'd help to speak to a manager? Any advice appreciated

nico26

Firstly there is not a civil war. Secondly the shopping mall was not blown up it was set on fire. There was a curfew last night but hopefully it will be lifted in the next few days.

There is no problem in Phucket Im just back from there last week

There is another thread with people in the same boat as yourselves They are with TC. Seems to be applying same conditions as Thomson.http
/forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.php?t=2472063

Why dont you go in and ask nicely about possible alternatives with your travel agent and you can be prepared for the eventually if anything happens. Going in guns blazing will not help. I know its not nice especially on the run up to a wedding but unfortunately its a wait and see situation.

BritRael

shippers wrote: »

...Thomsons have cancelled holidays there up to 28th May but they say we might still be able to go! ...

This is correct advice.

Nobody knows what will happen tomorrow in Thailand let alone in the 3 weeks that you have. But what we do know is the main camp in Bangkok (in one small corner of Lumpini park) was broken up yesterday, and also there have been no demonstrations in Phuket.

I would not take any action at moment as the situation could change. If you wait until the end of the month/early June you'll have a better idea, and if things do turn bad you'll then be able to change your destination.

FWIW my feeling is you will go and have a great time

DKLS

Firstly do not watch, SKY, CNN and Fox news as you will get the doomsday scenarios so loved by their journalists.

Visit the bangkok post website and Aljazheera, and you will get a more balanced news report. While I was there the Red shirt protests was kicking off, and I had american rellies begging me not to leave the hotel, on the same day, I was waving my red t shirt along with the tens of 1000s of happy protesters and shared a few drinks with, It had a party atmosphere that day.
Apprantly there was one incident that day a crash between a pickup and a moped, which is fantastic for BKK as about 15 people die a day there on mopeds.

I would happily fly out to BKK today if I had the opportunity, Bangkok is huge and the trouble has been confined to a small area

dickydonkin

What also needs to be considered is the insurance aspect.

If FO advisories are still in force at the time of travel, there is potential for the insurance to be rendered null and void although I expect that teh TA will be aware of this.

The tour operator will be hanging out until the last minute to avoid cancelling and is hardly an ideal situation.

It is possible that the FO will keep their advisory in place for some time due to the fact that this battle with the Red Shirts has been seemingly won by the government, but I suspect the dispute will be ongoing and there is a likelihood of sporadic unrest for the foreseeable future.

While I was there the Red shirt protests was kicking off, and I had american rellies begging me not to leave the hotel, on the same day, I was waving my red t shirt along with the tens of 1000s of happy protesters and shared a few drinks with, It had a party atmosphere that day.

How brave you are then - those whimpish Americans eh?

I find the above quote unbelievable - talk about being irresponsible. I supect if you were injured at the 'party' you would have been on your own in respect of your isurance claim due to your contributory negligence or just downright stupidity.

Travellers were repeadedly told to stay away from 'hot spots' - not partake in them. Certainly the recent events must surely now have made you aware of how stupid you were.

Party atmosphere? well it certainly wasn't yesterday!

BritRael

dpassmore wrote: »

...How brave you are then - those whimpish Americans eh?

I find the above quote unbelievable - talk about being irresponsible. I supect if you were injured at the 'party' you would have been on your own in respect of your isurance claim due to your contributory negligence or just downright stupidity.

Travellers were repeadedly told to stay away from 'hot spots' - not partake in them. Certainly the recent events must surely now have made you aware of how stupid you were.

Party atmosphere? well it certainly wasn't yesterday!

I agree with DKLS.

I was there at the same time (for 1 month) and agree that the demonstrations were in very localised areas and certainly not 'the whole of Bangkok' as was reported by the sensationalist media. Like him, I saw several of the demonstrations and there certainly was a party atmoshere and it was very friendly. This included the main camp at the corner of Lumpini park, which was easy to walk through and also meet with the protesters as it was not barricaded off.
From your comments it is clear that you have not actually been and are blindly believing the drivel on the TV. Yes, yesterday was not a 'party atmoshere', but equally, it would not have been possible to actually walk in that area anyway as it was blockaded and also for a few days had been declared a live firing area so obviously nobody would have ventured there in that situation would they??
Lastly, I also would go back tomorow if I could

dickydonkin

BritRael wrote: »

I agree with DKLS.

I was there at the same time (for 1 month) and agree that the demonstrations were in very localised areas and certainly not 'the whole of Bangkok' as was reported by the sensationalist media. Like him, I saw several of the demonstrations and there certainly was a party atmoshere and it was very friendly. This included the main camp at the corner of Lumpini park, which was easy to walk through and also meet with the protesters as it was not barricaded off.
From your comments it is clear that you have not actually been and are blindly believing the drivel on the TV. Yes, yesterday was not a 'party atmoshere', but equally, it would not have been possible to actually walk in that area anyway as it was blockaded and also for a few days had been declared a live firing area so obviously nobody would have ventured there in that situation would they??
Lastly, I also would go back tomorow if I could

Please don't patronise.

I am a regular visitor to Bangkok and I have just returned with another visit pending (hopefully) later in the year. I also have a friend out there who emails me regularly on the situation and before you stereo type - no it is not a 'me love you long time' situation!

By ignoring FO advice and common sense you were just plain stupid - end of.

There was also FO advice not to venture near the hotspots BEFORE the barricades were erected - but you also chose to ignore that as well.

I think many will draw their own conclusions from your actions.

BritRael

dpassmore wrote: »

Please don't patronise.

I am a regular visitor to Bangkok and I have just returned with another visit pending (hopefully) later in the year.....

Not patronising - simply stating what I've seen (and I'm not a sexpat either ).

As you've 'just returned', do you not agree with our comments above that the reporting was totally exagerated? Do you not agree that the demonstrations were in very isolated areas? Do you not agree that it is very easy to avoid these isolated areas? and lastly, (so as not to completely hijack this thread), do you not think that the op would be safe going to Phuket?

dickydonkin

BritRael wrote: »

Not patronising - simply stating what I've seen (and I'm not a sexpat either ).

As you've 'just returned', do you not agree with our comments above that the reporting was totally exagerated? Do you not agree that the demonstrations were in very isolated areas? Do you not agree that it is very easy to avoid these isolated areas? and lastly, (so as not to completely hijack this thread), do you not think that the op would be safe going to Phuket?

I do indeed agree with all of your comments above but - my response to your previous post was based on ignoring Foreign Office advisories (below)and basic common sense.

The political situation in Thailand is tense and uncertain. Over recent years there have been instances of civil and political unrest resulting in large-scale demonstrations and, in some cases violence. British citizens are advised to exercise extreme caution throughout Thailand and avoid demonstrations or large gatherings, which may turn violent.

Surprisingly, you have questioned me relating to the avoidance of the areas of conflict and yes - those areas are easily avoided - but you chose not to and joined in with the 'party' - sadly, the party is over now - well for the short term anyway.

As for Phuket, I used to go there often, but I haven't stayed there for a couple of years now - other than a day 'port of call' on a cruise last year.

There are better Thai destinations, although I liken it to Marmite - you either love it or hate it!

researcher

I think the one thing you are forgetting is that this is the OP's honeymoon we are discussing here, not your average holiday, but one planned and thought about a year in advance. As much as I love Thailand and Bangkok and travel there regularly (twice in the last year), my advice to the OP is forget about visiting now, go at a later date certainly as it is a wonderful place, but go elsewhere for your honeymoon, somewhere where you can relax and have a wonderful time after the stress of your wedding.

I've looked at where Thompson go to and this is my opinion based on my experience. (I did write travel guides and inspect hotels in the past so I have some detailed knowledge to fall back on)

I've been fortunate to travel to a few destinations recently and would thoroughly recommend Barbados for a honeymoon (Thomson do go there), there is plenty to do and it is a very friendly place (I was there in Feb). I was surprised at how much I enjoyed it. Cuba could also be worth a thought, I've heard lots of good reports. I personally wouldn't consider Dominican Republic, Jamacia or Aruba.

India is fascinating, but would be very hot and monsoon season, so not recommended, I visited South Goa over Xmas, and found it quite disappointing tbh, I much preferred Kerala, a more southern state, but again not the best time of year to visit.

I personally would call and insist on changing my plans now, I'd talk to a manager and threaten going to the press unless they did something.

BritRael

dpassmore wrote: »

I do indeed agree with all of your comments above but - my response to your previous post was based on ignoring Foreign Office advisories (below)and basic common sense....

I agree, it is common sense, which is why I was quite happy to walk past (I did not 'join in the party' ) the demonstrations (at Lumpini and Democracy monument). I did speak to a few of the people there (including the soldiers) and it was a very friendly atmosphere. Of course it's a judgement call, but I felt that there was no danger whatsoever and if it were threatening, I would have moved pretty sharpish

dpassmore wrote: »

...
As for Phuket...There are better Thai destinations...

100% agree